Roman Criminal Law

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

Perhaps our greatest inheritance from the ancient Romans is their law code and legal procedures. Students will study the development of Roman criminal law from the 12 Tables to Justinian's Corpus Iuris Civilis, including the emergence of trials by jury and the persecution of Christians and heretics. While studying primary sources like Cicero’s speeches and laws etched in bronze tablets, students will explore the seedy side of Roman life. Topics for discussion include murder, sorcery, bribery, forgery, treason, extortion and adultery. Though not required, familiarity with Roman history and Latin is beneficial.